In today’s fast-paced digital world, social media has become a vital part of any successful business strategy. Whether you’re a small start-up or an established brand, harnessing the power of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn is essential for reaching and engaging with your target audience. But how can you ensure that your social media efforts are truly effective? The answer lies in understanding the numbers behind social media marketing.

In this post, we’ll explore key social media marketing statistics that reveal just how important social media is for businesses in 2025. Armed with these insights, you’ll be better equipped to refine your strategy and stay ahead of the competition.

1. Social Media Usage is at an All-Time High

The first and most telling statistic that any business should consider is the sheer number of people using social media. As of 2025, over 4.7 billion people globally use social media, equating to approximately 60% of the world’s population. In the UK alone, 92% of internet users engage with some form of social media.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
This widespread usage provides businesses with an enormous audience to connect with. Whether your goal is brand awareness, lead generation, or customer service, social media offers a platform to reach a vast number of potential customers. If your business isn’t already active on social media, now is the time to start making it a priority.

2. Video Content is Dominating Social Media

Video content continues to rise in popularity, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. According to recent statistics, video posts on social media generate 48% more engagement than those without video. Additionally, 87% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, and 93% of marketers say it’s an essential part of their strategy.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
Video content offers a dynamic way to capture your audience’s attention. Whether it’s through product demonstrations, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or customer testimonials, video allows you to communicate your message more effectively. As a business, incorporating video into your social media strategy can significantly boost engagement and brand loyalty.

Tip: Try creating short-form videos for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Facebook Stories, as they are particularly effective in grabbing attention quickly.

3. Social Media Influencers Are More Important Than Ever

The rise of influencer marketing is one of the most significant trends in recent years. Statistics show that 89% of marketers say ROI from influencer marketing is comparable to or better than other channels. In the UK, 53% of social media users say they trust influencers more than traditional advertising, with younger audiences (18-34 years old) particularly inclined to follow influencers’ recommendations.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
Influencers have the ability to affect buying decisions and drive brand awareness. If your target audience includes younger consumers or those who trust influencer endorsements, partnering with the right influencer could dramatically improve your campaign’s success.

Tip: When selecting influencers, make sure their values align with your brand and that they have an engaged, authentic following.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC) Drives More Trust

It’s no secret that consumers today are more sceptical of traditional advertising than ever before. In fact, 79% of people say user-generated content (UGC) highly impacts their purchasing decisions. Brands that encourage their customers to create content, whether it’s sharing reviews, photos, or testimonials, can build more trust and foster stronger relationships with their audience.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
UGC not only boosts credibility but also encourages brand advocacy. By showcasing the experiences of your customers, you create authentic content that resonates with others. Additionally, UGC is often more cost-effective than producing traditional marketing materials.

Tip: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products or services on social media by offering incentives, such as discounts or features on your own accounts.

5. The Power of Social Commerce

Social media platforms are increasingly becoming a space for direct transactions. According to a report from Sprout Social, 30% of UK consumers have purchased products directly through social media ads or posts. With the introduction of shopping features on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, social commerce is becoming a major trend that businesses can’t afford to ignore.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
Social commerce allows businesses to streamline the buying process, making it easier for potential customers to purchase products without ever leaving the platform. If your business hasn’t embraced social commerce yet, now is the time to set up your shop on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

Tip: Make sure your product images are high-quality and use clear, compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that guide users toward completing a purchase.

6. Paid Social Media Ads are Delivering Impressive ROI

Paid social media ads are a core part of most businesses’ marketing strategies, and the numbers don’t lie: 73% of marketers say that paid social media advertising is “somewhat effective” or “very effective” at driving results. In fact, businesses are seeing an average return of £3.50 for every £1 spent on paid social media ads, with Facebook and Instagram being the most popular platforms for paid advertising.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
Paid ads are a great way to amplify your reach and target specific customer demographics. They allow businesses to scale quickly and generate leads or sales effectively. If you’re not already investing in social ads, you’re likely missing out on a lucrative opportunity to grow your business.

Tip: Experiment with different ad formats (carousel ads, video ads, sponsored posts) and use A/B testing to see which ads resonate most with your audience.

7. Social Media is a Customer Service Channel

Social media has become a primary channel for customer service, with 67% of consumers now expecting businesses to provide support through social media platforms. Responding to customer queries or issues quickly can help improve your brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
By offering customer support on social media, you show your audience that you’re responsive and approachable. Timely responses can prevent negative reviews and help retain loyal customers. On the other hand, ignoring customer queries can result in lost business and damage to your reputation.

Tip: Set up automated responses for common questions, but ensure that you also provide personal follow-ups where necessary to maintain a human touch.

8. The Importance of Social Media for Local Businesses

For small and local businesses, social media provides an affordable and effective way to increase visibility. In fact, 54% of people use social media to research products and services before making a purchase, and 63% of social media users follow local businesses.

Why It Matters for Your Business:
Social media gives small businesses the chance to compete on a larger scale without the heavy investment needed for traditional advertising. It also helps you build a local following by promoting your business’s services, events, and special offers directly to your community.

Tip: Make sure your business is listed on local social media directories and utilise location-based hashtags to increase your reach within your area.

Conclusion: The Future of Social Media Marketing for Businesses

Social media is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful tool that every business should be using to its advantage. The statistics above clearly show the immense potential social media holds for brand growth, customer engagement, and revenue generation. As the digital landscape evolves, businesses must adapt and continue to refine their social media strategies to stay competitive. By understanding these key social media marketing statistics, you can make informed decisions about where to invest your efforts and resources. Whether it’s through video content, influencer partnerships, or social commerce, the opportunities are vast, and now is the time to capitalise on them.